The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed versatile infielder Hanser Alberto to a one-year, major league contract. The exact financial terms are unknown as of now, but the deal reportedly contains a club option for a second season.
INF Hanser Alberto reaches an agreement with the #Dodgers for 2022 with a club option for 2023, per @JuniorMatrille.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) March 13, 2022
Alberto, 29, is a veteran of six seasons in the big leagues, spending time with the Rangers, Orioles, and, most recently, the Royals. Last season in Kansas City, he appeared in 103 games, hitting a pair of home runs with a .270 batting average.
Alberto’s best season came in 2019 as an everyday member of the Baltimore Orioles’ lineup. The then-26-year-old hit a career-high 12 home runs to pair with a .305 batting average, production the Dodgers are undoubtedly hoping he can replicate in the upcoming season.
On the defensive side of things, Alberto is not a standout fielder at any spot but he is capable of playing respectably at all four infield spots as well as the occasional showing in the outfield corners. Last season, Alberto split his time between second, third, and shortstop for the Royals.
For the Dodgers, Alberto fits in perfectly as a versatile defender that they can plug in anywhere. He will join a club that already features utility men Chris Taylor, Gavin Lux, Max Muncy, Matt Beaty, and Zack McKinstry. The signing of Alberto may push McKinstry to the club’s Triple-A affiliate as he still has a minor league option and can be sent down freely.
With Max Muncy’s still not quite at 100% for Opening Day, the Dodgers now have an extra insurance option at the position should his health continue to be a question mark in the upcoming season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have brought aboard versatile infielder Hanser Alberto, a player who perfectly fits their mold of players that can bounce around anywhere on the diamond. He will serve as a backup option at all four infield positions for the team moving forward.